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come up — 3 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb3 meanings
come upsame phrase

Which one do you mean?

arise (of a problem, opportunity, or situation)

Sorry I’m late—something urgent came up at work.

be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)

Your name came up during the meeting yesterday.

approach in status

After years of hard work, she's really come up in the world.

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Meanings in detail

to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.

Sorry I’m late—something urgent came up at work.

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3. approach in status

C2neutralboth

to rise or advance in social, professional, or economic status, often implying a significant or noticeable improvement.

After years of hard work, she's really come up in the world.

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